Our Coaches
Peter Olson
Coach, Owner
What year did you start CrossFitting?
2005
Why did you get into fitness (and CrossFit)?
I’ve been working out for the better part of 20 years. My background is military and law enforcement, so fitness has always been of major importance. I discovered CrossFit in 2005 after I returned home from deployment in Iraq. There was a small blurb of an article in the Nov 2005 issue of Men’s Journal about the workout Murph. I was intrigued, so I checked out CrossFit.com. I was hooked…and the rest is history.
Why did you become a trainer?
I become a trainer in order to open up a CrossFit box in my hometown, La Crosse. I’m extraordinarily passionate about fitness and serving others. Taking care of my fitness and health has had a profound impact on my life, so becoming a trainer was a logical way to combine those two passions.
What’s your favorite CrossFit movement?
Turkish Get-Up
What is your favorite cheat food?
Dairy Queen cookie dough blizzard!
What’s your favorite Superhero and why?
Batman all the way because he is just a man. I think we all have the capacity to do super things.
Qualifications:
- CrossFit Level 1
- CrossFit Level 2
Kevin Reynolds
Owner, Coach
What year did you start CrossFitting?
2012
Why did you get into fitness (and CrossFit)?
I’ve been lifting weights since I was 15. My best friend (Peter) got me into CrossFit when he opened an affiliate in our hometown, CrossFit La Crosse. My background previously was primarily powerlifting. CrossFit had changed my fitness forever.
Why did you become a trainer?
I love putting smiles on faces and helping change people lives.
What’s your favorite CrossFit movement?
Kettlebell swing
What is your favorite cheat food?
Buffalo wings…and German chocolate cake!
What’s your favorite Superhero and why?
Batman. I like Batman because he’s just a normal (billionaire) dude. He doesn’t have any superpowers…he just works hard and wants to protect society.
Qualifications:
- CrossFit Level 1
- CrossFit Level 2
- CrossFit Powerlifting
Jennifer Gleason
Coach
What year did you start CrossFitting?
2013
Why did you get into fitness (and CrossFit)?
After college, I lost motivation for fitness-related activities because I was too stressed and too busy to find the time to myself to workout. This lead to weight-gain and a slew of unhealthy habits which had a negative impact on my mood in general. Being a competitive athlete throughout high school and part of college, I knew I was capable of more, and I knew my body deserved more. Living in Austin, TX, I had friends who went to CrossFit and I started joining them for free Saturday workouts. After a few workouts, I was hooked. CrossFit allows me to be competitive, set goals, and track my progress. It keeps me accountable and challenges me both physically and mentally, pushing me to be my best. It doesn’t get much better than this!
Why did you become a trainer?
I am a teacher and working with people is one of the most fulfilling things in my life. When I knew that I could combine my passion for CrossFit, teaching, and helping others, I knew it was something I wanted to pursue.
What’s your favorite CrossFit movement?
Deadlifts and Double Unders!
What is your favorite cheat food?
A big ‘ol slab of buttery toast!
What’s your favorite Superhero and why?
She-Hulk!
Qualifications:
- CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
- CrossFit Kids
Ellyn Halley
Coach
What year did you start CrossFitting?
2013
Why did you get into fitness (and CrossFit)?
I was a competitive equestrian since age 9, and then took up running in middle school as well. I loved both sports, but my senior year I was intrigued to try the new CrossFit gym that just opened near my hometown. So I started to attend on the weekends and then twice per week, and just fell in love with the variety. I also saw the vast improvements that CrossFit made on my races during the track season. Once I went off to college, and decided not to pursue running or riding horses there, CrossFit has filled that competitive void.
Why did you become a trainer?
I have had great, supportive coaches throughout my CrossFit journey, and the impact that has had in my life has been incredible. I have gained a lot of self-confidence and a sense of work ethic throughout my journey into CrossFit, fostered by these coaches. I wish to help other CrossFitters have a similar experiences, and realize what they are capable of with a little hard work.
What’s your favorite CrossFit movement?
Front squats, cleans, snatches
What is your favorite cheat food?
Ice cream or chocolate
What’s your favorite Superhero and why?
Batman…because of his outfit
Qualifications:
- CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
- CPR/AED certified
Leighton Amaral
Coach
What year did you start CrossFitting?
2013
Why did you get into fitness (and CrossFit)?
I was born with a congenital heart defect and was always told I couldn’t push hard or overexert myself. Being a competitive person I’ve always known I could do more than what I was told. Powerlifting in High School was the only sport you didn’t need an approved physical from a doctor. Been into fitness ever since then.
Why did you become a trainer?
Everyone deserves someone who believes in them and motivates them to become a better version of themselves.
What’s your favorite CrossFit movement?
Snatch…anything with a barbell.
What is your favorite cheat food?
Peanut butter…….like the entire jar.
What’s your favorite Superhero and why?
Hulk.
He’s a beast.
Qualifications:
- CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
- CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
Derek Mueller
Coach
What year did you start CrossFitting?
2014
Why did you get into fitness (and CrossFit)?
I began doing CrossFit with some friends simply to challenge ourselves. I keep doing it because I love the variety, the people, I feel great, and I want to do what I can to stay as healthy as I can long as possible.
Why did you become a trainer?
I became a trainer as a way to invest more in the community that is CrossFit La Crosse.
What’s your favorite CrossFit movement?
PVC jump overs and over head squats.
What is your favorite cheat food?
It’s hard to have cheat foods when you don’t have any restrictions!
What’s your favorite Superhero and why?
Captain America by far! He’s the only super hero that was chosen to be a super hero because of his character and integrity.
Qualifications:
- CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
Nick Randall
Coach
What year did you start CrossFitting?
2016
Why did you get into fitness (and CrossFit)?
I always liked fitness. During college, I found that I was losing my motivation. A co-worker of mine recommended that I try CrossFit. After the first class, I was hooked. CrossFit has taken my fitness to a completely new level and brought back that motivation.
Why did you become a trainer?
I had a lot of support from all of the coaches and they have had a tremendous impact on my life. I have become more self-confident because of this and love helping others do the same.
What’s your favorite CrossFit movement?
Power clean
What is your favorite cheat food?
Peanut butter cookies!
What’s your favorite Superhero and why?
Iron Man. I like Iron Man because he is a genius… and a little arrogant.
Qualifications:
- CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
- CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
